It was reported NHS Tayside temporarily suspended its constitution to allow this to happen, as the money was going to retrospectively fund projects already approved by the board.

Professor Connell, who took up his position as chairman in 2015, told the newspaper his “present understanding” was that the endowment funds were used “in the manner that would be intended” but wanted assurances on whether it was correct for money to be given to projects previously approved in the core budget.

He said: “Over the last few years, we’ve spent around £3-5 million each year on improving services for the people of Tayside and that includes promoting research, improving staff education, improving wellbeing for people in the community and improving facilities.

“So for people who are concerned, I would say absolutely, we are spending the money in the way in which I think people have intended, for a range of purposes.”

Prof Connell told The Courier it was unfair to blame Ms McLay as she took over just days before the decision was made to suspend the health board’s constitution.

Ms Robison told The Courier that the use of charity funds “should not have happened” and an external review will look into what she described as a “serious state of affairs”.

She said: “When the public donate to this fund they expect it to be used for the right causes.

“At my request, the chief executive of NHS Scotland has written to every NHS board chair seeking assurance that endowment monies are being spent for the correct purposes.”